CLUBS IN FOUR WEEKS TESTING

BY DARREN FULLERTON IRISH League clubs will be provided with an initial four week Covid-19 testing regime when the Danske Bank Premiership resumes on January 23.

The decision to roll out the scheme has been confirmed by NIFL and the Irish FA who will source and fund the joint venture which will be reviewed after three weeks.

The same company – and test – currently used by EFL clubs in England will be employed to oversee the process in Northern Ireland.

Steven Mills, interim managing director of NIFL, said the new testing programme reaffirms the governing bodies’ “commitment to the welfare of our players, coaches and match officials”.

He added: “We have considered what other leagues have introduced and we will be using the same company and test as the EFL clubs in England.

“Coupled with the robust protocols our Premiership clubs have implemented to date, we can look forward to the remainder of the campaign with renewed comfort and excitement.”

The new tests will be available to clubs and match officials ahead of the Premiership’s next round of fixtures on Saturday, January 23.

Testing will take place for an initial rolling period of four weeks as clubs return to training and reviewed after three weeks by the NI Football League.

IFA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson (right) said: “Working collaboratively with NIFL we continue to respond to the pandemic to ensure football in Northern Ireland is supported and protected.”

The Premiership is currently on a two week break after a recent spate of positive cases and high Covid-19 figures in Northern Ireland.